They Thought She was a Goner but...

No one noticed that 4+ month long lapse in posts, did they? What lapse in posts, you ask? Exactly. Moving right along…

Where I’ve been:

Atlantic Fashion Week

 In June, I showed at Atlantic Fashion Weeks’ Fashion Market. There are not enough synonyms of awesome to describe that experience. The creativity (and sass) was palpable, I loved it. I am currently scheming up a potential runway collection for next year.  I would like to highlight ‘scheme’ and ‘potential’.

The Stella Polaris booth at Atlantic Fashion Week

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, NB.

I love creating jewellery for bridal parties. Nothing makes me happier than to see a bride and her party excited to wear the jewellery I custom created for them. Unfortunately it’s rare that I get to see everyone dolled up and adorned (brides, please consider inviting the jewellery designer, we’ll stand at the back and only eat the salad, promise!) so I was delighted when I got the invite and my cousin-in-law asked me to design the jewellery for her wedding.

Four of a kind

Art vs. Craft, Halifax

This was a fun show! It was the first year for this event and as time goes by I’m sure it will only get bigger and better. I met some really cool and talented people and was grateful for the opportunity. I did a dry run of the Stella Polaris Fall/Winter 2011 collection and showed a few new paintings.  I encourage you all to keep your eyes and ears open for the Art vs. Craft sequel next year!

Ottawa

This was mostly a leisurely excursion, although I naturally found the time to squeeze some jewel shopping in. I found this cute little consignment shop that was having a huge sale and picked up some awesome pieces to upcycle into the collection; brooches become pendants, earrings become beads, bracelets… stay bracelets, but get a modern twist.


Turntable pendant



On a personal note, I felt very fortunate to be in Ottawa to personally pay my respects to Jack Layton. Like his politics or not; his energy, focus and determination was admirable. His perseverance inspired me, especially over the last year, and I was very sad to see that light go out.



Taking a moment for Jack



What’s Next:

·   Fall/Winter 2011 Collection to be posted on Stella Polaris Studios Facebook page.

·   When and where you can find Stella Polaris at the Keith’s Brewery Market in Halifax.

·   Details about a new  shop.

·   Next blog post: Jewellery Myths and Preoccupations that Piss Me Off

Flattered Platters the First

If you follow me on twitter (@StellarPolarity) you may have noticed that I've been alluding to a brand-new project that I've have been working on. This is something completely new for me and I find it's been really refreshing working with totally different materials from what I'm used to. Jewellery will always be my first love but I have so many other inspirations that I must feed. Without further ado, I give you my first completed set from a collection I am tentatively calling, Flattered Platters.

 Each plate is one-of-a-kind. I try to keep a certain palette in mind when I'm making them though so that they can easily be grouped into eclectic sets. I love this set; I think it would look so pretty on a table with fresh flowers and shiny silverware. You could always use them as individuals, as well, for setting out cookies, hors d'oeuvres or tapas. Right now I'm working on a more funky set that has bold patterns and bright colours that I think would be great for summer entertaining. It's all in the presentation.

I haven't decided if I'm going to put these up on the website. I fear shipping could get both pricey and perilous. That being said, I have successfully packed and shipped A LOT of glass in my day so I may do it after all. In the meantime, you will be able to purchase these pretty plates at Love, Me Boutique in Halifax within the coming week(s). They will be $15 each or a set of four for $50.

Well, that's enough for one day. I'm going to play outside in my backyard.



Actually, this is my neighbours' yard but you get the idea.


I do hope you are able to do the same; Happy Easter weekend to you all!

Fevers and Facebook Transgressions

This post has nothing to do with jewellery, fashion or anything else that I had originally intended this bog for. I am currently delirious with fever and unable to even attempt sleep. As such, I thought I would try and distract myself with something monotonous in hopes that it would make me drowsey so, I began cleaning up old files on my 'puter. In doing so I came across this cartoon that I drew a while back. I know you've all encountered someone as nauseating as this so I thought I would share.

On that note; Happy Easter weekend, all!!

And Now for Something (Almost) Completely Different...

It has been one hell of a busy week. No complaints here, though. I did, however, make a point to take time out to watch both the English and French debates between the political leaders of our nation. Well, four of them anyway. Apparently Elizabeth May and one million Canadians aren't worthy enough to be allowed to argue their points. Not that I'm pro-Green Party because I'm not really but it just struck me as quite undemocratic. I was also irked that not a soul addressed environmental issues and I'm pretty sure May would have forced that conversation. Alas, I digress.

I'm not going to lie, in the four hours that I watched Harper, Ignatieff, Layton and Duceppe duke it out, my mind wandered in and out of the debate. (Tune out is more like it; I am allergic to BS after all). Anyway, I couldn't help but be distracted by their uncanny resemblances to other people/characters/animals. I give you my take on what I call, 'Poli-Appearance Mash-Up". These mash-ups have squat to do with my personal political preferences; I feel I've treated them all equally unfairly. Enjoy.

Bill Gates + Robot = Stehpen Harper

Sea Turtle + Bon Homme Carnivale = Gilles Duceppe

Dracula (this one particularly) + Spock = Michael Ignatieff

                      Monopoly Man IS Jack Layton

You'll notice I spared Elizabeth May. Again, not because I care but she probably feels bad enough as it is. I encourage you to come up with your own mash-ups and send them to me either via email or on Twitter. I do enjoy such dailliances!

Finally, I must once again remind you to come down to Love, Me Boutique this Saturday (11am-1pm) and check out my trunk show. I'd love to meet you and chat arts, crafts and jewellery. I'm also making banana cupcakes with peanut butter icing for your pleasure. Don't forget to add Love, Me Boutique to your route this Saturday!

To You. Love, Me.

Wow, my package came in record time, for a change. Finally, Canada Post does me a solid! I just got the most beautiful shades of Swarovski crystal you have ever seen. Come down to Love, Me Boutique on Birmingham St. in Halifax this Saturday and check them out! I'll make you something sparkly. Got kiddies? Add their names to the sparkle and order yourself a Mother's Bracelet. Maybe grandma wants one too? I just finished a couple samples for the show. Have a look see..

Keep checking back, I'll be posting more samples as they happen. Eeeps! Is it Saturday yet? In the meantime I hope you're enjoying this fine day, wherever you are!

Show yourself (April 16th)!

Hello, Monday!

I am up early this fine day. I have spent the last hour or so with a tea, sitting by the fire. I can hear boat horns sound off in the distance and I am being highly entertained by the court jester who is watching the birds. He stops intermittently to look at me adoringly (because I just fed him). Not a bad start to what’s sure to be a busy week!

This Saturday, April 16^th I will be having a trunk show at Love, Me Boutique on Birmingham St. in Halifax. I blogged about this gem a few weeks ago and am really excited to be showing some work there. Come down and say hello; there’s going to be lots pretty things to be seen and inspired by! I’m going to be there between 11am and 1pm taking custom orders and I’m pretty much giving you free range over my collection of gems and jewels. Create whatever you like; necklace, earrings, bracelet, anklet, whatever. While you’re picking out something for you, why not get something for mom, too? She totally deserves it and Mother’s Day is like right there -> May 8th . May I suggest a Mother’s Bracelet?

 Get her kiddies name(s) in sterling silver blocks with beautiful stones and her favourite colour Swarovski crystals! She’ll love it! I’m also going to have my latest collection available at special prices so, if you see something you like on the website come down to the LM Boutique and see what it’s on for. Did I mention there’s going to be snacks too? There’s going to be snacks. See you on Saturday!

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.
~William Shakespeare

All-Canadian Fashion Magazines and Other Mythical Creatures

I’m an addict.

 My addiction; fashion magazines. I get such pleasure out of curling up with a cup of tea or glass of wine and a fresh, glossy mag. I love their collage quality. Each page is something completely different from the page before, much like each issue is completely different from the next. I can’t get enough of the clothes, the photography and the creative genius behind them. In my opinion, each issue is a unique piece of art in its own right. Also, for me, magazines represent a snapshot of a space in time that will never come again. I am and have always been a sucker for nostalgia. This month Elle Canada celebrated their 10^th anniversary and put out a retrospective issue. It was fun to look back at (and chuckle at) old trends, cover girls and styles. You should pick up a copy for yourself; it was an all-around solid issue! While I’m plugging magazines, I strongly suggest checking out an article in this month’s issue of Flare called, ‘Deadline Obsessed’ by Shawna Cohen.  Cohen asks the question, ‘Are your self-imposed plans ruining your life?’  Think about it. It’s a pretty powerful question, no?

I digress.

 I fell in love with magazines when I was 12 or 13. Back then I was into Seventeen and YM (R.I.P YM!). I remember sneaking them in and out of my house to share with friends; my dad wasn’t a fan of me reading anything that promoted me wearing lipstick and or ‘snagging’ my crush. Oh, the days of grooving to TLC and cutting out CK One perfume ads so we could save them to use for school dances. Wow, did I just admit to that? Huh. Naturally, my palate has since matured into publications like Elle, Vogue and Glamour. My absolute favourite magazines though, bar none, are Canadian; I’m looking at you Elle Canada, Fashion and, most recently, Flare.  As a (goddamn) proud Canadian, I am all about supporting Canadian anything in every way that I can. Magazines included.

 This brings me to the crux of this post; I would love to see a Canadian magazine put out just one issue that is front to back Canadian content. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marc, Louis and Jean Paul as much as everyone else but, they’re established and they’re everywhere.  It would be so refreshing to pick up a magazine and see totally new faces, names and their interpretations of fashion. Now, before anyone gets their designer undies in a bunch, I’m well aware that there is already a healthy inclusion of Canadian content in Canadian mags but what I’m talking about here is one issue that is coast to coast, cover to cover, Canadian domination. I’d like to take a second to emphasize the coast to coast bit. I find that the Atlantic Provinces, the North and the Prairies get almost squat exposure in fashion magazines. I often wonder why that is because I can speak for the Atlantic Provinces when I say that there are tons of talented, creative people at work here (I’m sure the same goes for the North and the Prairies) and I want to read about them too!

It makes me really proud that this country is crawling with such mad skills. I’m thinking specifically people like; Kim Munson, Veronica MacIsaac, Lisa Drader-Murphy and Yasmine Wasfy. Never heard of them? My point exactly.  I would love to be able to exclusively buy and wear new, diverse Canadian labels. I just haven’t got the time to traverse the country or trawl the internet looking for them myself. I know for a fact that I’m not alone on this.  That’s why we need a Canadian magazine to bring us more of our own brilliant talent.

I’m not asking for a magazine revolution here, just a one issue coup! Please?

(Sorry folks, no time for cartoons with this post. I’m getting really for a trunk show next week which will be the subject of next week’s blog – stay tuned)!

Take me to your bleeder!

Ok, I’m breaking a personal rule that I set for myself when I started blogging, namely; never blog about anything personal.  I’m not even 100% sure why I’m doing it. I think it’s because it involves me taking an enormous step outside of my comfort zone and if I tell you all about it then I’ll HAVE to do it. Hold me accountable, people! No backing out. Ok, so, here it is: I’ve decided to donate blood. Yes, that’s the big deal. Stop your eye rolling and let me explain, me voluntarily giving blood is like most people voluntarily walking in front of a bus.

For most people getting blood taken is much like this:

For me it is this:

The result is always this:

By nature, I’m pretty level. Things like spiders, bugs and rats don’t send me into shrieking, fan-handed hysterics like they do for a lot of people. I don’t like them, mind you, but I can deal. However, if you put a syringe inside my hula-hoop of personal space, know that I mean business and will kill every man, woman, child and animal in my path to escape (whilst shrieking, fan-handed). I know it’s weird but I have my reasons.

When I was ten I had a really bad accident that involved an icy hill and a tree that left me with a severely shattered right femur. No word of a lie the last thing my mom said to me before I went out the door that February afternoon was ‘don’t break anything’. Thanks, Ma! By the time I got to the hospital my thigh muscle was in a severe state of spasm as it had been nearly torn in half (bring it on childbirth, you got nothing!) so, they immediately starting pumping me full of morphine and etc. Whatever they were giving me wasn’t working so someone had the genius idea to use a syringe and inject relaxants directly into the muscle. This is about when it all went to hell. As the doctor was administering the drug my muscle went into full spasm and the needle GOT LODGED IN MY THIGH. Imagine watching a 200lb man trying with all his might to pry a syringe out of your body and it not budging one iota. I was too young to immediately grasp the full severity of my injury but I could understand that what I was seeing was extremely bad news. At that moment any shred of bravery and dignity I may have had left went out the window like a bullet from a gun. No one could get it out so I took it like any ten year old would; I went berserk and passed out.  The whole situation turned out to be really bad. In fact, I was lucky to survive and/or not have any permanent repercussions (other than a hip that aches like all hell before it rains). I was hospitalized for a month, had two surgeries, spent a full six months bedridden, was in a body cast for 3 months and on crutches for a very, very long time.  And THAT is why I’m terrified of needles. Still judging me?

So why, by my own volition, would I think of putting myself in the dreaded needles’ path? It’s because I feel so incredibly guilty that it's gotten to the point that I have to do something about it. Seventeen-ish years ago someone rolled up their sleeve, donated their blood and saved my life but I have never returned the favour. Also, Canadian Blood Services haunts me on a daily basis. They’re always emphasizing the shortage of O negative blood. Guess what my blood type is?  That makes me a universal donor and riddled with compound guilt.

Maybe I should stop listening to the radio? No, I should get off my ass and go donate some blood.  

The In-between World of Spring

Apologies for the lapse in posts! Life has been happening (see ‘Febru-scary for details) and I haven’t had the chance to rub two thoughts together.  Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing; I’d never admit it if you asked but I generally like flying by the seat of my pants. Anyway, I have some exciting news to share!

First of all, the Spring/Summer portion of ‘The Monet Collection’ is now live and available for your viewing pleasure online at www.stellapolarisstudios.com! You’ll notice quite a departure from the 2010 stuff. My last two collections used Swarovski Crystal almost exclusively and while my love for Swarovski crystal continues to radiate like sunshine dust on a unicorn’s ass, transcend time and space , thrive, I settled on more diverse materials for this collection. I used lots of semi-precious stones, some different metals like gold and aluminum and incorporated some really pretty vintage pieces. One of my personal favourites is the vintage lucite, rose pendant. As usual, I’m kicking myself for not grabbing more when I had the chance. For these and many other wonderful finds, I have to give kudos to the good people at The Beadin’ Path and Caravan Beads. Not only are they responsible for digging up such treasures but they also stayed open during the worst snowstorm in 50 years so I could buy them.  I actually have a picture of said event somewhere. I’ll post that when I find it.

In other exciting news for those of you in the area, you can now shop for Stella Polaris jewellery at Love, Me Boutique on Birmingham St. in Halifax (just off of Spring Garden Rd). The selection of SP features some unique pieces only available in-store.  Even if you’re set for jewels you should really stop in at this adorable shop on your Saturday route. Their mandate is local and handmade which around here equals all manner of beautiful things. It’s truly a little house of wonders. Go forth and enjoy!

So, what’s next? Time to start focussing on the impending summer rush and a personal side project!  My plan is to make LOTS of jewellery in the next few weeks.  I want to have a good stockpile of jewellery on hand because I want to spend more time this summer working on custom pieces.  My goal is to make as many individual pieces for as many individuals, from as many different places as I can. I’d possibly like to blueprint this into a larger work somehow, maybe something for Nocturne 2012? I’m going to need your help on this to get it off the ground. Specifically, I’m going to need you to commission a piece from me sometime between now and October. I’m pretty easy to find, you can leave me a comment here, email me, tweet me (@StellarPolarity), and/or find me weekend loitering around Love, Me Boutique. So come, be a part of my venture, bring me your ideas and let me make a beautiful, unique something for you or someone you love! (Remember, custom doesn’t have to mean expensive)!

And, finally, (giggle) let me introduce you to my soon-to-be-newest friend and sidekick.

Hubby and I are adopting this seven month old handsome boy from the SPCA in Kings County, NS.  After years of wandering from city to city and apartment to apartment we have finally settled enough to give a kitty a good home. To say I am delighted is a stark understatement. Oh, what wonderful adventures we will have together.

No Smiling for the Camera

Update.

I have managed to pack next to nothing for my upcoming move (hurrah for avoidance!), but I have gotten some serious work done on the collection. In fact, the design work is finished and all production will be complete as soon as the box of chain (that I’ve been waiting forever for) arrives. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that arrival happens today. As pleased as I am with progress thus far, I cringe at what comes next. In fact, what’s next is my least favourite part of this entire process: the photography. Generally, I love to dabble in photography but trying to take clean, focused, representational pictures of jewelry is like trying to herd cats. Old, feral, bitchy cats. It is by far the most tedious and frustrating part of my job. Don’t get me wrong, in the end I’m always really proud of the photos we use on the website and in the blog but, believe me when I tell you that for every picture on the website we took forty blurry, skewed ones just like it.

So, what makes photographing jewelry such a bleeping downer? 1. Our camera. It too is old, feral and bitchy.  2. Unless you have tons of space; you have to improvise, set up, take down and put away some kind of ad hoc photo studio every time you want to take a picture. I usually fail at ‘put away’. 3. You have to light jewelry with the blaze of a thousand suns to get quality detail. Or most detail 4. Jewelry, much like hair, will rarely ever ‘sit’ the way you want it to, when you need it to. This can be rage inducing. 5. Fingerprints, shadows and glare. These are all like glitter; you’re not sure where they come from and you just can’t seem to get rid of them.       

On the bright side, I am married to man who wins at cameras so, I can usually trade a steak dinner (PG version) for photography skills and voila! I get to glaze over the whole miserable situation like my eyes in 4^th period math. Alas, hubby’s work schedule doesn’t always allow him the freedom to take my pictures and so, I have to take them my disgruntled self. This is one of those times. After two days of grappling with items 1 – 5, demonstrated here;

 I no longer feel compelled to take beautiful photographs of jewelry. I now feel like doing this:

It’s probably unusual for a peaceful vegetarian to draw themselves wielding a flamethrower but, whatever, it was therapeutic as hell! Anyway, despite any setback, I am REALLY excited to get this collection live on the website and in a jewelry cabinet near you so, until next time, it's back to work!